News

Holidaymakers evacuated as wildfires reach Portuguese Algarve

Wildfires raging in Portugal amid soaring temperatures reached the exclusive resort area of Quinta do Lago in the Algarve.

Firefighters were called in to tackle a blaze which affected some private villas and part of a golf course near Faro, with some holidaymakers evacuated as a precuation.

A statement from the resort said on Thursday: “Yesterday was a long, sad, and difficult day for all of us in Quinta, but authorities have reported that the situation is now under control. 

“We still have firefighters on the scene to control and monitor the area.

“The well-being and safety of our community were preserved, and thankfully there has been no reported human loss or injury. 

“The fire affected some landscaping areas of the North Course and of some private villas close to the fire.

“We’d like to thank everyone for their unending and generous help in this situation. 

“Thank you so much to all the brave firefighters and authorities who work tirelessly to keep our resort safe.”

However, Quinta do Lago added: “Today is a brighter day. Our golf courses, The Campus, restaurants, and other facilities have already reopened. Q Hub is also open.”

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office warned earlier in the week that mainland Portugal was under a state of alert until today (Friday) due to exceptionally high temperatures and heightened risk of forest fires.

The FCDO also warned about a “large, uncontained” forest fire underway in south-west France near the Dune du Pilat.

Forecaster AccuWeather reported temperatures topping out at close to near 100F (38C) in Lisbon and Madrid nearly every day since July 8. Seville has been one of the hottest spots with the mercury soaring above 105F (41C) for seven consecutive days, including a temperature of 112F (44C) on Wednesday. 

AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tyler Roys said: “There is concern that this heat could become a long-duration heat wave – 20 or more days – for many locations from Portugal to central France and interior south-eastern Europe as it could last for the rest of July and continue into August.” 

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.